Alternative Linux distros that deserve the limelight

Despite Ubuntu's mainstream popularity, it's not the only desktop distribution out there. Other luminaries include Fedora, OpenSUSE, Debian and Mandriva and they are all, certainly, excellent. But what about the lesser known alternatives? While there are many distributions tailored for specific tasks - such as security, web serving, education and so on - there are also quite a few desktop-orientated distributions that so far haven't reached the limelight. There are at least two distributions that are worth your time. And, who knows, you may even choose one to be your new default desktop.

Linux Mint 9

hoosing to look at Linux Mint as an alternative to Ubuntu is in many ways a bit of a misnomer: it's based on Ubuntu. But maybe that's part of its appeal. After all, it brings with it all the advantages of Ubuntu, but with a slightly different take.

Aside from a different visual style - an eminent green after its namesake - Mint aims to provide an even more user friendly desktop than Ubuntu.